- Information
- Tour Plan
- Location
- Gallery
- Similar Tours
- Additional Info
What's included
- Accommodation in lodges
- Assistance when you arrive and when you depart
- Breakfasts
- Entrance fees to parks and planned activities
- Lunches
- Overland transport
- Suppers
- Well equipped camps
- Air transport
- Any activity not on the agreed curriculum
- Cancellation and baggage insurance
- Extras and personal expenses
The Fauna found in the Namibian Desert at Ethosha.
The Namibian desert is the oldest in the world and offers an exceptional contrast of nature. During our tour you will see the impressive Oryx Gazelle, millions of year old dunes of 300m in the finest shades of ocra, the desert granite of Damaraland the impressive Brandberg to the Cape Cross and the best that Etosha has to offer.
You will have the opportunity to take spectacular photos, buy souvenirs made from an assortment of semi-prescious stones and experiences the local Himba and Herrero people and their traditional dancing.
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- Day 18
- Day 20
- Day 21
Cape Town-Namaqualand 270km (3hrs)
We depart from Cape town at 8am and travel to the scenic region of Namaqualand with a travel distance of 270km. We stop at wine farms on the Olifants river, at the foot of the Cedarberg mountain range in the Klawer wine region where the second day is spent exploring the environment which is simply stunning.
Namaqualand-Noordeower 400km (5hrs)
We move North towards the Orange River and Namibia. Along the way we will see Citrus and Grape Farms where after the landscape changes drastically and becomes desolate and dry. Attractions in the area include the Namaqua National Park, Goegab Nature Reserve and the Richtersveld National Park. We spend the next two nights in the most awesome setting on the banks of the Orange River.
Noordoewer-Fish River Canyon 200km (3hrs)
Our next destination is the Fish River, we will travel until we start seeing the rocky hills. Look out for Fish Eagles and thorn trees along the way. Further north is the wide expanse of the Gondwana Canyon Park which is the Eden of Namibia. Nights spent around the campfire gives the opportunity to experience the quilt of the southern night sky. Enjoy sunrise amidst the quiver trees and sunset from a viewpoint, overlooking spectacular scenery. Here you can go for walks or simply take advantage of this exceptional part of our world.
Fish River Canyon-Sesriem 500km (10hrs)
An early start is required for the long day ahead that will take us to Sesriem, (so named as it took six lengths of traditional thongs to draw water from the canyon) where seeing the sun set over the Elim dune is a must. Geckos and howling Jackal will remind you that you are now in the oldest desert on the globe-The Namib.
Another early start, before dawn as we need an hour to get to Sossusvlei which is a depression in the heart of the Namib Desert where you can climb some of the highest sand dunes in the world and watch their colours change as the sun rises over the horizon.
Sesriem-Swakopmund 400km (5hrs)
From Sesriem we will travel to the coastal town of Swakopmund. This unique route takes us through the Tropic of Capricorn to the tiny town of Solitaire that offers an array of freshly baked options. Naukluft or otherwise known as the moon landscape takes us to the flamingo filled lagoon of Walvis Bay and on to Swakopmund.
Swakopmund-Damaraland 250km (3hrs)
Damaraland is our next stop. The shaded bank of the seasonal Aba-Huab River near Twyfelfontein which is an important national heritage site, is just the place to explore the famous rock engravings, here you can get to know the culture of the Dama people and if we are very lucky we might even see a desert elephant.
Damaraland-Etosha 350km (4hrs)
The unique Etosha National Park is where we are headed, and we should be there just in time for lunch. We will see the salt pan that is visible from space! Abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes is a usual sighting. The park is malaria free. Namibia is a diverse country with an array of habitats and vegetation. Namibia has a great mix of desert, semi- desert and savannahs. You will see a complete contrast of wide-open grasslands, a massive pan that covers 4731km² and large camel thorn trees mixed with Mopani trees.
Etosha-Okaukuejo Camp 600km (5hrs)
We leave after breakfast traveling to our next destination, Okaukuejo Camp. Feast your eyes along the way observing wildlife congregations at close quarters.
Okaukuejo Camp-Divundu 750 km (8hrs)
From here we spend most of the day on route to the banks of the Okavango river in the North of Namibia near Bagani and Divundu. There are 84 bird species and two game parks nearby, Mahango and Buffalo parks. Both these parks host four of the big 5. Try your hand at fishing or take a boat trip to the Popa Falls where you will see hippos, crocodiles and birds. Take a guided village walk and interact with the local people.
Divundu-Thebe River 430km (5hrs)
Thebe river is situated in the unspoiled upper reaches of the Okavango delta panhandle in the western Caprivi strip, Kavango region. The Chobe area is not only home to over 50 000 elephants, but an abundance of wildlife along the river. We take a day here to absorb the beauty of this expanse.
Thebe River-Chobe 100 km (1hr)
From Thebe River to the Chobe National Park you will experience stunning views over the Chobe floodplains and the magnificence of the Chobe National Park. It is truly a wildlife paradise and one of the best national parks in Southern Africa, otherwise known as the Elephant Capital of Africa. You can take a riverboat safari or go on a sunset cruise.
Chobe-Vic Falls 160 km (2hrs)
A short drive takes us to Victoria Falls and an opportunity to visit the rainforest which offers spectacular views of the mighty Victoria Falls or “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (The Smoke That Thunders).
The iconic Victoria Falls Bridge that links Zimbabwe and Zambia should be on your to do list, a feat of Victorian engineering. The bridge offers 360-degree views of the Batoka Gorge. A historic bridge tour is also available here, taking you through the construction and planning of this impressive structure and a walk underneath the metal structure
Flying over the Victoria Falls is one of the most awe-inspiring and sought-after activities in Victoria Falls. Take a guided tour of Victoria Falls and learn about the culture, history and the local people. From game drives, to horseback safaris, will enable you to view the abundant game, including elephant, impala, kudu, leopard, lion and buffalo.
Vic Falls Zimbabwe
This is where we say goodbye and leave you to explore and enjoy what the area has to offer.
More about Botswana
More about Cape Town
More about Chobe District
More about Damaraland
More about Divundu
More about Etosha
More about Fish River Canyon
More about Namaqualand
More about Namibia
More about Noordoewer
More about Okaukuejo Camp
More about Sesriem
More about South Africa
More about Swakopmund
More about Thebe River
More about Victoria Falls
More about Zimbabwe
A bit more info on Overlanding
All overland vehicles are custom built to endure the unpredictable African roads and carry everything needed for the overland tour; including food, camping gear, tents, tables & chairs.
We have a range of camping and accommodated tours tailor made to suit your needs from, small to larger group tours to younger or older group tours, to suit your travel needs and budget.
Most tours require limited participation whereby travellers assist with pitching their own tents and helping out at meal times.
What should be in your bag for your trip?
A backpack is more compatible with the luggage compartment space under the carriage of the vehicle, Pack sensibly to ensure minimum hassle. Keep in mind that you must keep a weight allowance for your curio shopping items to take home. You are allowed a 20kg bag and a 5kg hand luggage allowance.
Wash & wear and reversable clothing items will make your life a lot easier as laundry facilities are often few and far between
A few suggestions to help you pack
- 3-4 short sleeved shirts or T-shirts
- 2 pairs of trousers or 1 pair and 1 skirt – try not to pack jeans as they take a long time to dry
- ¾ pants
- 1 Warm sweater or fleece top
- 1-2 pairs of shorts
- 1 Tracksuit pants
- 1 Light sweater or sweatshirt (can also be used as an additional pillow)
- 1 Warm fleece top
- Underwear and socks
- 1 Hat/peak cap/bandana
- 1 Gloves
- 1 Scarf
- 1 Water/wind-proof jacket
- 1 pair of Boots or walking shoes
Should your trip include going to the Beach, remember to pack:
- 1 Swimming Costume
- 1 pair of Sunglasses
- 1 Beach towel and/or sarong
- 1 Pair of Sandals.
Your Toiletry bag should have the following:
- All your personal toiletries,
- Hand sanitiser/wipes
- Tissues
- Moisturiser
Sleepwear will include:
- Pyjamas
- Travel pillow & pillowcase
- Sleeping Bag and a light blanket
Medication and items for your first aid kit:
- Prescription medication
- Anti-histamine cream or tablets
- Antiseptic cream
- Sunscreen (high factor) and lip balm
- Water purifying tablets
- Pain killers
- Diarrhoea medication
- Moisturiser
- Dehydration salts
- Elastoplasts
- Insect repellent
- Sterile dressings
Handy Optional Extras can include:
- Water bottle
- Book to read
- Extra memory/film for your camera
- Head torch
- Zip-lock bags (medium sized for cameras, snacks, trash etc.)
- Extra batteries
- Travel power strip ( a compact three-plug unit that includes two USB connections. With just one wall plug you can charge five gadgets) Buy on Amazon
Pre-Departure Meeting
The pre-departure meeting is held at 18h00 the night before we depart. This is to ensure that everything is in place to avoid any delays.
Quality and Protection
We are a SATSA member. This means that SATSA is the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association and offers protection to international travellers against the possible loss of deposits (or monies paid) to a SATSA member (tour operator, car rental company, accommodation provider etc.), in case of liquidation. It is underwritten by Lombard Insurance and Lloyds of London.
SATSA is the driving force behind improving standards of tourism in South Africa, as offered by its various members.
“Should a SATSA member who is a South African tourism business operation, run into financial problems, the bonding scheme allows the client to claim back their deposit without having to prove in a court or to the liquidator whom or what was paid, but simply to produce the relevant documentation to SATSA.” – Michael Tatalias, CEO SATSA.
How to work out your financial requirements?
When working on your budget remember to include the following:
Basic Tour Cost:
- The complete Tour Price
Additional Tour Costs could include the following:
- International flights including your visas
- Your accommodation before and after the tour.
- Your Spending money, keeping in mind variations depending on chosen activities.
- Money for take home gifts for friends and family.
- Mad Money for the unforeseen expense.
- Should you wish to tip your guide and or crew members.
Visas are required by most travellers to Africa and determined based on your nationality (your passport). We recommend contacting the relevant African country Consulate / Embassy to check your requirements, as this information changes regularly.
Optional activities vary based on your chosen overland tour and your personal preference. It is best to work through the optional activities available on your chosen tour, tally-up your total and see how this fits into your budget. All optional activities are booked with your Tour Leader once you are on tour. Most can be paid in cash.
We offer semi-inclusive camping or accommodated tours, already including popular excursions available en-route.
Vaccinations
To stay healthy on your trip be sure to take the right vaccinations for your trip to Africa
We advise an appointment with your local doctor (General Practitioner) for best advice on vaccines required for the countries you intend to visit. Remember the two most important ones are Yellow fever and Malaria.
Yellow Fever is required by law for all travellers entering into Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania. Having travelled in a yellow fever area, you may be required to show proof of your yellow fever vaccination upon returning to your home country.
Malaria is rife throughout Southern and East Africa, which is considered a high-risk area.
Your local General Practioner may also recommend either/or of the following vaccinations depending on the country to which you are travelling: Tetanus, Typhoid, Rabies, Polio, Hepatitis A and B and Meningitis.
Remember the time line is four to six weeks prior to your departure.
Your Crew and Guides
Tour Crew
These are the people to tap for knowledge. They almost know it all from history and culture to the local Fauna and Flora.
Most overland tours include two crew members (Driver and Tour Leader) working as a team managing tour finances, planning activities, preparing meals and ensuring that you safely experience Africa and all its offerings.
The Guides
The guides and crew are passionate and up to date with all relevant information. Please feel free to ask and interact with them.
The Vehicle
Our overland vehicles are custom build to offer maximum comfort with extra-large windows for those unforgettable pics as well as the ability to handle the rugged African terrain.
Adventure Travel Insurance
It is compulsory to have comprehensive adventure travel insurance, on all overland tours. We require your travel insurance details upon booking your vacation.
Make sure that you are covered for adrenaline sport and adventure activities should you wish to partake in any of them. These include white-water rafting, sky diving and bungee jumping.
World Nomads Insurance offer adventure travel insurance and cancellation insurance. We recommend your travel insurance includes cancellation and curtailment insurance. The majority of tour departures are guaranteed (confirmed to depart) but in the unlikely event of a tour departure being cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, you would be protected.
For credit card insurance, we suggest you check the fine print to ensure you have adequate cover as credit card companies offer a standard option.
If you choose to use your credit card insurance, you will need to call your bank to obtain your policy details. This is how:
• Phone your bank
• Give them your Bank Card Number
• Verify your account
• You need to ask for the insurance company name
• You need to ask for the policy number
• Remember to keep the telephone number you dialled
Get your Travel Insurance Now!
Visas
You will need a valid passport for all international travel. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after returning from your trip. In certain cases, foreign passport holders require entry, re-entry or departure permits and/or visas to enter a country.
Remember to contact the relevant authorities / embassies in good time to check and arrange the necessary permits and visas prior to your departure. Don’t trust websites (such as wikipedia) as information can be outdated.
All travellers must be in possession of a valid onward/return air ticket or proof of other means of transport enabling the traveller to leave the country in which your tour terminates. Or else you must have proof of sufficient funds (e.g. credit card) enabling you to purchase an air ticket to leave the country.
Please note that your visas are your responsibility.
The contact details for the various embassies
Visit GoAbroad.com, for details and phone the nearest consulate for up to date information.
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Contacting Us
Electronic mail to: info@africaepicsafaris.co.za
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